The rule book does say "based on" very much up to the individual, Was hoping for some input on bore, stroke, valve sizing, cam etc. Power figures are easily obtainable, reliability is another thing.
The term pilot seems more fitting than rider and being a little nuts does help. The harley motors are the most common, due to the large bores needed to get the capacity it is very hard to ignite the quantity of fuel needed. Keeping in mind that nitromethane carries its own oxygen. Magneto's and twin plugs per cylinder still cant keep up.
Yes the BMW F1 engine was around the 1500HP mark, was a wild fuel that would burn you eyes while still in the drum! That was using the cast iron road car block, they found them to be best after 200,000km of use, with enough heat and compression cycles to settle the casting.
Impossible? That is what NASA said about propelling a rubber tyred vechile under the 6 second mark. Now they are in the mid 4's
Top Fuel engines are producing 1000 HP per litre, with restricted nitro content and limits on blower overdrive.